Estuaries, Marshes, Sloughs

Where the River Meets the Sea

An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with salt water from the ocean. This mix, called brackish water, helps to create one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on the planet. Estuaries are tidally-influenced, providing ideal conditions for young aquatic species before they head out toward the open ocean. Many seabirds nest and hunt along estuaries.

Along with providing a thriving habitat for wildlife, estuaries also offer protection from large storms by creating a natural barrier that absorbs large waves and prevents them from causing dangerous flooding. Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center comprises a portion of the Yaquina estuary, providing a safe haven for raptors and seabirds within its wetland areas.

Marshes are a type of wetland ecosystem where water covers the ground for long periods of time, and are dominated by herbaceous plants such as grasses, reeds, and sedges. A slough is often named for the still inland part of a bay, and is part of the estuary where freshwater flows from creeks and mixes with salty ocean water. Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center includes marshes and sloughs in its ecosystems.